New Forms of Existential Anxiety Arising from Digital Platforms' Prediction of Sexual Identity Before Users Self-Identify
In this era of the internet, social media, dating apps, video games, online shopping, virtual reality, and eCommerce, people are constantly bombarded with advertisements and recommendations that tell them what they should be doing, thinking, saying, buying, and desiring. But these platforms also predict what users want before they even know themselves - for example by recommending certain products based on their purchase history or suggesting potential matches based on personality traits. This can lead to new forms of existential anxiety about identity, especially when it comes to gender and sexuality.
When digital platforms make predictions about a user's sexual or gender identity, they may do so without the user's explicit consent or knowledge.
If a user has looked up information about transgender issues but has never disclosed their own gender identity, the platform might suggest resources related to transitioning or hormone therapy. Similarly, if a user has browsed articles about bisexual relationships but hasn't explicitly stated their sexual orientation, the app might suggest relevant groups or matches who share similar interests. While some users may welcome this type of personalization, others may feel uncomfortable or confused about why they are being targeted in this way.
This kind of algorithmic prediction can create an intense sense of pressure for users to conform to predetermined identities rather than explore and express their true selves freely. It can also undermine trust in the accuracy and reliability of the platform, as well as erode privacy and autonomy over one's own data. In short, it can cause a lot of existential anxiety because it challenges our fundamental notions of who we are and how we relate to others.
For many individuals, exploring and defining their gender or sexual identity is a deeply personal process that takes time and reflection. When algorithms try to predict these things before the user has had the opportunity to arrive at them themselves, it can be jarring and even traumatic. It can also reinforce harmful stereotypes by making assumptions based on narrow definitions of what constitutes masculinity, femininity, heterosexuality, homosexuality, etc. Instead of allowing for individualized experiences, digital platforms force users into pre-existing boxes that don't always fit neatly.
The pressure to perform certain identities online can lead to increased isolation, loneliness, and fear of rejection from both other users and platform administrators.
If a transgender person sees recommendations for medical procedures or transitioning resources when they haven't fully come out yet, it might make them feel like there's something wrong with them. This can exacerbate feelings of shame and self-doubt, leading to further depression and alienation. On dating apps, similar pressures may lead to more superficial interactions where users only engage with people who appear to match their perceived interests rather than genuine connections based on shared values.
All in all, algorithmic predictions about sexual and gender identity can create a sense of disorientation and confusion in an already complex landscape of social media and technology. Users should be wary of these projections and take control over their own data and choices as much as possible. By being mindful of how these platforms operate and prioritizing authenticity over convenience, we can start to resist the forces of conformity and explore our true selves without fear of judgement or reprisal.
What new forms of existential anxiety arise when digital platforms algorithmically predict sexual or gender identity before users self-identify?
One form of existential anxiety that arises is uncertainty about one's true identity. When someone uses an online dating app like Tinder, they may find themselves feeling confused as to whether their matches are actually interested in them for who they are or if it's because of their predefined preferences.